UN Chief Calls on Ukrainians to Find Peaceful Way Forward

UN Chief Calls on Ukrainians to Find Peaceful Way Forward
Amid Current Turmoil

New York, Feb 24 2014 - Amid the
rapidly unfolding events in Ukraine, Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon today called for an inclusive political process to
enable the country to emerge from its current crisis, one
which reflects the aspirations of its people and preserves
its unity and territorial integrity.

“He reiterates his
call for non-violence and urges all Ukrainians to express
their differences peacefully and through dialogue, and to
seek a durable solution through compromise,” Mr. Ban’s
spokesperson said in a statement.

“He
has remained in continual contact with key actors on how to
support a peaceful way forward for Ukraine at this time of
transformation.”

On Saturday, Members of the Parliament
of Ukraine – which has been witnessing mass protests since
last November – voted to remove President Viktor
Yanukovych, and an arrest warrant has reportedly been issued
for his arrest. The move comes after more than 100 people
were killed last week in the latest wave of deadly clashes
in the capital, Kiev.

Mr. Ban called for an inclusive
political process that reflects the aspirations of all
Ukrainians and preserves Ukraine’s unity and territorial
integrity, said his spokesperson.

“In order to bring
about a stable and prosperous future for Ukraine, the
Secretary-General calls for a firm commitment, by all
concerned, to uphold the key principles of democracy and
human rights and thereby create a conducive environment for
free and fair elections.”

The spokesperson added that,
to assure Ukrainians of the support of the UN and the wider
international community, Mr. Ban has sent his senior
advisor, Robert Serry, to the country.

“The
Secretary-General expects all key international actors to
work collaboratively to help Ukrainians at this challenging
time in their country’s history.”

In his meeting with
the new Speaker of the Parliament, Oleksander Turchinov, Mr.
Serry conveyed the Secretary-General’s solidarity with all
Ukrainians and his commitment to assist a Ukrainian-led
inclusive governance process.

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